Everton open to January offers for James McCarthy

Everton are considering the sale of James McCarthy when the transfer windows reopens in January. Ronald Koeman has already identified potential replacements for the midfielder.

McCarthy has had his injury concerns this season, and this has seen him fall below the likes of Gareth Barry and Idrissa Gueye in the pecking order for the central midfield position.

According to The Star, the Republic of Ireland international could head through the Toffees exit door in January with Koeman not entirely convinced of his abilities.

The 25-year-old was linked with possible move to Celtic over the summer, but this time around the Hoops will face competition from a host of Premier League clubs. West Bromwich, Sunderland and Middlesbrough have all communicated with the player's representative regarding a winter deal.

Sevilla's Steven N'Zonzi and AS Roma's Kevin Strootman are among the top names on Koeman's shortlist to replace the midfield enforcer.

McCarthy has appeared over 100 times for Everton since arriving from Wigan Athletic in 2013.